10 Best ways to experience the magic of Santa’s hometown in Finnish Lapland
Rovaniemi is the capital of the Lapland region of Finland. Just inside the Arctic Circle, it’s been the home of Santa Claus since… well, ever since Santa can remember. But in 2010, the town made it official by deeming itself, the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus.” It’s only here that you’ll learn insider details about this most cherished soul… like how he likes to build snowmen, sit around campfires, and skateboard. Yep, there’s video of that.
But there’s more to Rovaniemi and Lapland than just Santa. Especially for older kids, the region can be a gateway to once-in-a-lifetime adventure activities. And while it’s possible to visit Lapland year-round, I think that winter is the most magical time.
KidTripster Tip: While it’s possible to make the 10-hour drive (in good weather) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, I wouldn’t recommended it, especially during the winter. You could take a bus or train, but I suggest flying. We flew Finnair on the quick 1-hour 15-minute flight to Rovaniemi.
KidTripster Tip: Still want to drive? Read these tips for renting and driving a car in Finland first.
Here are 10 ways to experience the winter wonders of Rovaniemi with your kids.
1. Mush a team of huskies
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Huskies. Do I really need to say much more? Pay a visit to the Bearhill Husky Kennel. This family-run operation has a variety of experiences for you to choose from, depending on the time of year. In the summer and autumn, you can take a guided tour of the kennel, learn about the daily life of the huskies and their mushers, plus interact with the dogs – puppies, if you time it right! The kennel has 200 dogs, and amazingly, the mushers know them all by name! (When I asked one of the mushers how that was possible, he asked me, “do you know the names of 200 Facebook friends?” Point taken.) I highly recommend doing the short cart ride on a dirt trail where you’re the musher. It’s part of the dogs’ off-season training program, and it’s a blast.
KidTripster Tip: How can you tell a quality kennel? It typically won’t have puppies in the winter, even to satisfy tourists. In the winter, mushers are busy running teams of dogs, and puppies don’t get the kind of attention and care that they need. If you want to see puppies at Bearhill, you’ll need to go during the off-season.
In the winter, you can choose a husky safari where you do the mushing with a sled on snow! And here’s the best part for my family: teens (ages 16 and up) can mush if they’re strong enough. Let’s be honest, driving the team is a lot more fun that simply sitting in the sled. Cost: Varies by activity. Package includes a snack plus pick-up and drop-off in Rovaniemi, as you’re advised not to drive to the kennel on your own during the winter. A word to the wise: I have mushed huskies in Lapland at a different kennel during the winter. I distinctly remember the temperature that day: -5°F. Yes, that’s darn cold. A few minutes into the ride, I couldn’t feel my feet on the runners of the sled; but still, I was active. The temperature was a much bigger problem for my son in the sled. He was dressed in five layers of clothing including a snow parka, snow pants, and snowsuit (provided). He also had reindeer hides as blankets. However, he was painfully cold; so cold, that we ended up cutting the tour short.
So here’s my advice: yes, mushing a dog sled is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adults and older teens, but because of the cold temperatures, choose the shortest ride possible. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Also during the winter, book your tour early in the day, say 11 a.m. Remember, the sun goes down by 3 p.m., and the temperature will drop. I also found mushing in the dark to be a bit unnerving.
2. Spend the afternoon with a local legend
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Honestly, meeting Irene Kangasniemi was one of the most memorable travel experiences that I’ve ever had. She and her husband, Ari, are reindeer herders and artisans in Finnish Lapland. They open their workshop and home to small groups, including families.
Irene has an infectious personality that fills a room like few people I’ve ever met. She just bubbled with pride as she shared her Lappish culture and her love for her reindeer with us. She’s also proud of the work that she and Ari do in their little red cabin nestled in a forest of birch trees. Ari crafts gorgeous reindeer antler chandeliers and knives; Irene makes Lappish drums and jewelry. They use every part of their reindeer – not wasting what nature has given them.
Irene has a FINN-tastic sense of humor in a culture not typically known for being very animated. We felt as though we were spending the afternoon with the Finn version of Lucille Ball. But Irene also was a patient teacher. She instructed us in the creation of our own souvenirs, made from reindeer antlers. Whenever I look at my bracelet made from polished antler and decorated by Irene’s own hand, I will think of her.
At the end of the afternoon, Irene invited us into her home, where she’d carefully set the dining room table with Finnish cookies and cinnamon rolls that she’d baked that morning. She continued to explain how it is that she and her neighbors survive in one of the harshest places on Earth.
Here’s the thing: this afternoon with Irene and Ari was an authentic and genuine cultural exchange – not one created for hordes of tourists. I know the difference. No one asked us to buy anything. Frankly, you can’t even book an afternoon with them online because that don’t have a website that accepts reservations, and they don’t schedule big groups. More often than not, their visitors are families. And that’s exactly what we felt like sipping our coffee in their home.
If you’re headed to Rovaniemi and would like to meet Irene and Ari for yourself, contact them via email at kangasniemi@hornwork.fi. Their business is called Hornwork. Trust me, you’ll never forget it. Cost: about $47/person, depending on the exchange rate; minimum of four people.
3. Meet the big guy at Santa Claus Village
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Well, there’s no doubt that this is the main attraction in Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Village. No matter the time of year, you and your kids can meet the big guy. Where? At his office, of course. It’s free to visit, but if you’d like photos, be prepared to pay the elves about $33 to $44, depending on the package and exchange rate. (Video is also available.) You can’t take photos with your own camera. The Santa experience is a good one, but during the holiday season be prepared for long lines.
KidTripster Tip: For about $13, you can have Santa record a personalized video to your child to play prior to or after his or her visit. Read here for more details.
Afterwards chatting it up with Santa, stop in at his post office to see samples of real letters sent from around the world. If your child addresses an envelope “North Pole,” this is where it ends up. You can send a postcard from here or order a personalized letter from Santa for about $9, stamped with a special Arctic Circle postmark. Read more here.
As for the village itself, it’s definitely more magical during the winter with a blanket of fresh snow. Honestly, without it, the village looks like a strip mall. There are several lodging options in and around the area, including Santa’s Glass Igloos Arctic Circle, plus a variety of restaurants. You can book various activities like snowmobile tours and reindeer sleigh rides from the village, as well. I was disappointed by the shopping options here; it all seemed exceedingly touristy to me.
Before you leave, make sure to feed the reindeer. The elves will provide you with lichen. They say it’s edible for humans. I tried it. My recommendation to you? Don’t!
KidTripster Tip: If you happen to visit Rovaniemi in March, you have to catch the reindeer sprint races. Picture a skier being pulled by a harnessed reindeer. Watch here.
4. Cross the Arctic Circle… literally
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Talk about a cool photo op! Santa Claus Village sits directly on the Arctic Circle – 66°33’45.9’ north of the equator. It marks the southernmost latitude where the sun can stay continuously below or above the horizon – referred to as the Midnight Sun in the summer or the Polar Night in the winter. You can’t missed the spot; the line is painted on the ground. Grab a photo here of your family jumping over.
5. Drive a kiddie snowmobile
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Based at Santa Claus Village, Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park offers a mini-snowmobile circuit for kids (ages 4 and up). It’s only a 10-minute ride, but it’s bound to be a highlight of your kids’ winter adventures. Cost: about $22, depending on the exchange rate.
The park offers various other snowmobile safaris to the reindeer farm or husky park and snowmobile trips for ice fishing and Northern Lights hunting. However, let me offer this advice based on my personal experience of snowmobiling in Lapland: rides can be really cold, especially for the passenger, who’s likely your child. (You must have a valid driver’s license to drive a regular snowmobile.) The driver has heated hand grips; the passenger has nothing. If you decide to go, choose the shortest trip and make sure it’s during the daylight (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the winter months). Temperatures really fall off when it’s dark.
6. Go to elf school at SantaPark
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Just about a mile from Santa Claus Village, you’ll find what I think is an even more immersive experience inside Santa’s secret underground cavern, called SantaPark. Here, your kids can don elf hats, make Christmas crafts in the workshop, and earn their very own diploma at Elf School. You can cross the Arctic Circle underground and enter the realm of the Ice Princess and her ice sculpture gallery. Follow the smells to Mrs. Gingerbread’s Bakery where the kids can decorate cookies while you sip a cup of warm glögi. Oh and did I mention, there’s a magical train!
Santa keeps an office at SantaPark, too. Your kids can have a private meeting with him. And here – unlike at Santa Claus Village – you can take all the photos that you want on your own device. Admission cost to park: Youth (under 3) Free; Youth (3-12) about $31; Adult about $37; the price goes up a bit closer to Christmas. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days. SantaPark is open during the winter and summer.
KidTripster Tip: While SantaPark is underground, it’s indoors and not cold. You can store your winter coats at the self-service cloakroom near the ticket booth.
KidTripster Tip: If you’re looking for a place to stay nearby, the modern Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is located right next to SantaPark.
7. Learn more about Lapland life
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To get your bearings in Lapland, make a stop at Arktikum – part science center and part museum. The structure itself is interesting with a visible 564-foot glass tube above ground; the exhibition space is actually underground to protect against flooding and to save on heating costs. And on a cold Rovaniemi day, you may need some protection from the weather yourself!
The Arctic in Change exhibit is a fascinating and sobering look at how climate change is impacting the Far North. For example, have you ever heard of a “grolar bear?” It’s the result of a grizzly bear and polar bear mating. As their traditional habitat warms, the grizzlies are heading further north, where they’re having increased encounters with polar bears. Polar Opposites is a permanent exhibit that explains the Midnight Sun and Polar Night conditions. Plus, you can learn about Finland’s indigenous people, the Sami, who populate the Far North. All exhibits have English translations. Cost: Youth (under 7) Free; Youth (7-15) about $7; Adult about $14, Family about $33, depending on the exchange rate.
KidTripster Tip: Strollers can be borrowed at no cost.
KidTripster Tip: There’s a beach area right outside of Arktikum. In the summer, families swim and picnic into the wee hours of the night here. During the dark season, the beach is a good spot to watch for the Northern Lights.
8. Discover Finnish forests
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Located right next door to Arktikum, Science Centre Pilke is focused on the importance of Finnish forests which cover 70-percent of the country. This center is far more hands-on and interactive than I expected. Climb behind the controls of giant forestry machinery or climb into a behemoth bird house. Discover how timber is used in everything from medicines to ice cream. And see if you can mimic bird calls in the karaoke room. It’s harder than you might think! Cost: Youth (under 7) Free; Youth (7-15) about $5; Adult about $8; Family about $22, depending on the exchange rate.
KidTripster Tip: Look down at the floor on the lower level. It’s made out of removable wood blocks. Go head and pull one out!
KidTripster Tip: It’s possible to buy a combination ticket to Arktikum and Pilke at a discount. You also can opt to purchase a cultural pass that includes those two attractions plus the Korundi House of Culture (Lapinkävijäntie 4). The pass is good for seven days. Keep in mind, when it’s dark and cold during the winter, you may be looking for some indoor entertainment.
If you happen to visit during the spring, summer or fall, do make sure you get out into an actual Finnish forest. There are plenty of hiking options around Rovaniemi. Just ask a local to recommend his or her favorite trail.
9. Dine on the Arctic’s bounty
I have to say, I was totally surprised by the food scene in Rovaniemi. The meals that I had here rivaled those I ate in Helsinki, and I dare say, the artistic presentation was even better! Tops on my list: Roka Kitchen and Wine Bar (Koskikatu 8) and Arctic Restaurant (Valtakatu 18). Both served courses focused on local and seasonal foods. At Roka, I started with a creamy cep mushroom soup with crispy bacon; at Arctic, it was a house salad with salt cured reindeer roast, which is my favorite reindeer preparation. My Roka entrée was blazed salmon with fried potatoes and mushrooms in a beurre blanc sauce; at Arctic, I had smoked salmon with a rich, carrot puree. But my favorite course was dessert: a berry-topped rose hip crème brûlé at Roka and meadowsweet mousse with blueberry compote at Arctic. It was all I could do not to lick my plates. By the way, the cocktails at both these restaurants are worth trying. I gravitate toward the ones featuring blueberries and lingonberries.
While both these restaurants are upscale, I wouldn’t hesitate bringing kids here.
Check out my list of other foods that you should try in Finland.
10. Watch the Northern Lights
One of the highlights of any trip to Lapland is a Northern Lights sighting… if you happen to have one. Mother Nature doesn’t have a schedule, and there are no guarantees. In general, the lights are visible in Lapland starting in August through April. I’ve seen them in September and December, the later sighting being a bit more vivid. They could last five minutes; they could hang in the sky for hours. They can come and then go and then come again. It’s far from an exact science.
Here are some general tips for better viewing:
– Download an aurora app. It will let you know how likely you are to see the Northern Lights in your location on any given night. Know that you need a clear, cloudless sky for good viewing.
– Select a spot to view in advance. The darker it is, the better – though I was able to see and photograph the lights in downtown Rovaniemi. The photo here was taken just outside the Arktikum.
– Dress warmly. You may have to be outside for an hour or more. Here’s where that glass-topped igloo comes in handy. See my recommendations here.
– To photograph the Aurora Borealis, a tripod is an absolute must. If you don’t use a tripod and a long exposure, your photos simply won’t turn out. For more on the correct camera settings, read this article by our friends at Dotting the Map.
– Sometimes, it’s difficult to see the lights with your naked eye. But if you see faintly-colored, green wisps of clouds, take a photo. When you view the photo, you may see the lights! Boost the color when editing, and those lights will start to pop.
KidTripster Tip: Set a timer (or have a friend take the photo for you) and jump into the shoot wearing a headlamp. The headlamp will illuminate your spot, adding a nice effect to the photo.
– Finally, some companies will advertise a “Northern Lights hunt” via snowmobile. While this is a way to get out in nature away from city lights, you don’t really hunt the lights. They’re either on or they’re not. And as I mentioned, snowmobiling at night can be extremely cold and unpleasant.
This writer received some complimentary activities for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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